The Weekend Word

Have Negative Interest Rates Come Home?

Posted by Aaron Everdyke on Fri, 09/15/2017 - 15:57

In 2014 the European Central Bank attempted to usher in an era of “easy money” by lowering their main interest rate below 0%. This was an unprecedented event which lead to many countries across the globe with negative yields on their 10-year treasury notes. (If you’re interested in a quick primer you can always refer to our piece last year The World According To NIRP. While this madness was happening, many pundits wondered the impact this might have back home. While the immediate impact wasn’t notable, one pundit, despite three rate hikes believes negative interest rates have come to America.

Equifax Breach

Posted by Aaron Everdyke on Fri, 09/08/2017 - 13:20

As part of our ongoing efforts to help keep your personal information as safe as possible, we want to remind you to stay on the lookout for the many security threats making the rounds in cyberspace today. Over the past few months we have taken the sent out a few emails about Identity Theft and what happens after a Cyber Breach and you can check those out again at http://www.laurelfinancialgroup.com/blog

Recently, we learned about a massive Equifax breach in which more than 143 million consumers (almost half the country!) may have had their information compromised, including:​

Expectations

What Happens to Our Stolen Information After a Cyber Breach?

Posted by Aaron Everdyke on Fri, 09/08/2017 - 13:08

After a cyber breach, we tend to think in terms of what the victim needs to do next. Can any of the stolen data be protected after the fact? What can the victim do to secure confidential information going forward? But for a change, let’s talk about the crime from the cyber thief’s point of view. What does the crook do with our data once he or she has stolen it?

Market Volatility and Your Retirement Investing Strategy

Posted by Aaron Everdyke on Fri, 09/08/2017 - 13:07

Fluctuations in your 401(k) or workplace retirement savings account can stir up negative emotions, making you want to hit the panic button. But in turbulent times, it’s more important than ever to remain calm and stay on course toward your long-term retirement savings goals.

401k Loan Pitfalls

What is Wealth?

Posted by Aaron Everdyke on Fri, 09/08/2017 - 13:05

What makes someone wealthy? According to the Schwab Modern Wealth Survey almost half of Americans believe being wealthy is being able to spend money on experiences and things. Which makes sense; a nice car, house, watch and/or clothes are easy to notice. On the other hand, asking a friend or colleague to see their bank account or 401k might be a little awkward and intrusive. Then again it might make for a great sociology experiment. In that same survey only 27% people believe having a lot of money made someone wealthy.

Bonilla Day

Posted by Aaron Everdyke on Fri, 09/08/2017 - 13:04

As some of you may know Aaron is our resident baseball fanatic. Earlier this month baseball celebrated a fictitious holiday, Bobby Bonilla day. Bobby Bonilla day is where baseball fans recognize the annual payment of $1,193,248.20 to Bonilla from the Mets. If you’re confused on what this means, or why it matters read on.

Food for Thought

Posted by Michael Allen on Fri, 09/08/2017 - 13:03

As financial planners we spend a lot of time looking at portfolio returns. One of the most important things we can do when analyzing these returns is to maintain perspective. This means keeping in mind how long-term averages and goals are achieved and reminding ourselves what accomplishing these return goals can look like over short periods of time.

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